False: Drinking farm liquor 'toddy' can prevent COVID-19.

By: Ishita Goel
December 24 2020

Share Article:

BSP president Bheem Rajbhar falsely claimed that consuming toddy can prevent COVID-19. As of today, there is no treatment or medicine for COVID-19. On Dec. 21, 2020, Bheem Rajbhar, President of Bahujan Samaj Party's U.P. unit, addressed a party program in the Rasra area of Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that if people consume large quantities of farm liquor taadi (toddy), they will not catch COVID-19. According to him, taadi has immunity power, and a drop of it is purer than the 'water of the river Ganga.' He ascertained that "If people consume taadi in huge quantities, then they will not get infected by COVID-19. In the Rajbhar community, the upbringing of children is done by making them drink taadi.'' The World Health Organisation suggests cleaning hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water. It also mentions that spraying alcohol to the body does not kill the coronavirus, which has already entered your body. The WHO posted a graphic image recommending that drinking alcohol does not protect from coronavirus infection. People who do not drink alcohol should not start drinking in an attempt to prevent coronavirus infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.